About our Pregnancy Yoga Classes

Authentic, inspirational classes you can trust

With more than 3 decades of experience behind us, the Active Birth Centre is the place where Pregnancy Yoga was first invented. This is a system of Yoga practice, modified for pregnancy that was pioneered by Janet Balaskas as a ‘body centred’ way to prepare for an Active Birth in the late 1970’s. This has began the explosion of Pregnancy Yoga we are seeing across the world today. We are inspired by the gentle approach to Yoga of Vanda Scaravelli and Sandra Sabatini which allows the body to soften, release, lengthen and find its roots with the earth through breathing. In pregnancy this enhances the natural blossoming of motherhood and makes space for the growing baby. This is what makes our yoga classes so special! You are guaranteed to go home uplifted, gently stretched through your whole body and very relaxed. We are highly experienced and can adapt and accommodate any special need.

What makes our classes unique?

* A 2 hour class in beautiful peaceful environment.
* A consistent group rather than a ‘drop in’ gives you more much support.
* Carefully controlled numbers ensure your safety and that your particular needs are met.
* Individual attention from wonderful, experienced teachers. We are expert yoga, ante and postnatal teachers.
* Our booking system encourages you to come regularly, which is essential for you to develop ‘body memory’.
* We include guidance for birth in addition to a good relaxing stretch.
* Plenty of guidance about Active Birth Positions, touch and partner work.
* A deeper, more focused approach to breathing and relaxation in the postures.
* Yoga is supported with a full antenatal and postnatal programme to include your partner.
* A very comfortable and spacious environment with all the equipment you need.
* Teachers who know how to help you if you have pelvic pain or spinal problems.
* Our own in-house complementary therapy clinic specialising in pregnancy treatments.
* Local unrestricted parking.

Classes with Janet Balaskas

Wednesday evening: 7.00 – 9.00pm

Sunday evening Barnet class: 5.00 – 7.00pm

You can select a combination of above day or evening classes when booking a discounted package of 5+ classes. Selected classes do not have to be consecutive.

Please note: This weekly Barnet Class is a pregnancy yoga class with a difference. You can come to this class on your own, or book for your partner to come with you – to every class or occasionally! Ideal for birth preparation including HypnoBirthing and Active Birth techniques with the Yoga. Janet teaches most advertised classes – Lola Alcarez Perez may assist her and will teach in her place on occasions when she is away.The venue is the Arthur Murray Dance Studio – 107 High Street, Barnet EN5 5UZ.

You can select a combination of above day or evening classes when booking a discounted package. Selected classes do not have to be consecutive.

Please note: Janet teaches most advertised classes – Lola Alcarez Perez may assist her or will teach in her place on occasions when she is away.

Thank you Janet for your calm, rational and truly helpful advice provided in the yoga sessions, I looked forward to each week. they helped me to maintain calm and focus in a busy world and led to a comfortable and instinctive natural birth!!

Your classes out of many things I tried to do to prepare for labour helped me and stuck in my head the most- so thank you!

Tuesday evening class: 7.00 – 9.00pm with Lynn Murphy

Selected classes do not have to be consecutive when booking a discounted package of 5+ classes

I went into labour after the yoga class! Contractions were very intense very quickly but I managed to stay home until 2am, we arrived at hospital at 2:30am and our baby was born 50mins after! A water birth again, I sometimes felt overwhelmed, but I managed, so a big thank you again for the yoga classes and your precious advices, I am 100% convinced I wouldn’t have had the same births if I hadn’t come to your classes.

Good news I had a beautiful baby boy yesterday! No birth centre for us due to circumstances but I still used all my yoga & active birth techniques and it got me though with just a little gas & air. I know that all I’ve done with you Lynn since the very beginning has helped me mentally and physically through this. A huge thank you!!

Couples Yoga for Active Birthwith Janet Balaskas

This a mini workshop which is held every 8 weeks instead of the usual (women only) Tuesday evening class. Come with your partner or on your own.

If you can’t come to any of these, please note partners are welcome to book for the Sunday Pregnancy Yoga classes in Barnet.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page for our refund and cancellation policy

Our Classes

Pregnancy Yoga classes at the Active Birth Centre are held in light, spacious and comfortable room with all the props you could need and are taught by Janet Balaskas and Lynn Murphy. Their classes are infused with their passion, wisdom and gentleness, offering expert Yoga guidance rooted in the philosophy of Active Birth.

While becoming more and more relaxed, strong and flexible, you will be learning about labour and birth, and because you’re doing this while in the meditative state of Yoga, your body will effortlessly draw on the techniques you have learnt when you are in labour.

This is the genius of these classes, they give you all the calming and relaxing benefits of Yoga and take you to the deep well of stillness inside where you can connect with the instinctual knowing that will guide you through birth.

Discovering the Active Birth Centre has been a true blessing. I find the yoga classes amazingly inspirational, giving me confidence and motivation and helping me to tune into the power of being a woman.

Over the weeks this has a transformative effect, reducing fear and anxiety, making you calmer and more comfortable – able to take yourself into a deep state of relaxation at any time you need to, through the art of breathing. This is not only a wonderful way to prepare for birth and mothering, it is also a life changing skill.

Our classes are safe and approved by midwives and doctors. We are experts in our field and will know how to help your specific needs or issues. Regular weekly attendance is recommended and you can start any time after 13 weeks. Classes include time for refreshments and a chat, and women who have been to the classes in pregnancy come back with their new babies to share their experiences with other women over a cup of tea. When we are away, our locum teachers have a similar approach, training and experience.

Our Cancellation and refund policy

Once booked classes are non-refundable or transferable. Please do not request a refund or transfer if you are unwell or unexpectedly unable to attend.

The only exception is in extenuating circumstances such as admission to hospital or baby being born early, in which case you need to let us know without delay by emailing info@activebirthcentre.com. If you have an unpredictable work schedule it is better to book single classes than a discounted block. Please do so in good time while there are still places left.

Thank you for your co-operation. We appreciate that you don’t ask us to make exceptions. This policy was created with your best interests in mind and to make the system manageable for us and class numbers consistent.

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